ISBN Handbook of Japanese Mythology book 400 pages

Japanese gods too numerous to count are known collectively as yaoyorozu-no-kamigami—the eight million. They are the cast of a vast complex mythology that encompasses two religions three cultures and three millennia one whose ancient deities are still hard at work today. Handbook of Japanese Mythology makes it easy to travel this vast yet little-known mythological landscape. The book reveals the origins of Japan's myths in the very different realms of Buddhism Shinto and folklore and explores related mythologies of the Ainu and Okinawan cultures and recent myths arising from Japan's encounters with modernization. It then offers vivid retellings of the central Shinto and Buddhist myths plus descriptions of major historical figures icons rituals and events. For students or long-time enthusiasts it is the ideal guide for investigating Japanese reverence for the sun the imperial family and the virtues of purity and loyalty. Readers will also learn why sumo wrestlers stomp before each match how a fussy baby creates thunder why Japan has a god for soccer and much more.